2. digital
  3. 1370357062

Are there any DACs that can go low?

I have a W4S DAC-2 (with Audiophilleo), I have also auditioned an Ayre QB-9, own a Cary Xciter, have owned a Peachtree Nova, and have an Oppo BDP-95. I try to use high definition files from a Mac Mini over Audionirvana.

None of these can approach the lows that my reference source can (a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage). My reference is a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage. The bass is so much richer and deeper with that as my reference and the midrange sounds fuller too. Highs never sound shrill either.

Are there any DACs out there that can approach a more neutral sound, at least as I see it?
128x128intermediatic

Showing 6 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The frequency response of the DACs you have tried probably extends to 20Hz. The reason that you are not hearing the same bass as your vinyl system is likely related to two deficiencies:

1) Jitter is probably too high to deliver the focus required for good bass
2) Dynamic response in the analog circuits are limited by power supply/subsystem

Not all DACs have this problem and some DACs will have significantly improved bass dynamics by driving them with a low-jitter source.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
FYI, jitter is not limited to computer audio. It is just as big a problem with CD and SACD players and devices like Apple TV and Sonos. It is a generic digital audio issue.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
In your dreams. Any manufacturer that claims this is lying. Not possible.

Even small increments in jitter reduction at very low levels can be heard in a resolving system. See these jitter plots:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=115008.20

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Interm... - The optimum way to use the W4S DAC2 is using I2S. The Off-Ramp 5 provides HDMI I2S output specifically for this. The reason that I2S sounds better I believe is that it bypasses the clocking that occurs with S/SDIF input to Sabre DAC.

Steve N.
Emporical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I have really good outputs to feed it with also. Not good enough. I2S beats it hands-down using a good cable like the HDMI-12. I have lots of customer feedback on this as well.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
If you are after great bass and analog SQ (no harshness) from CD rips, this is the DAC:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/da-converters-empirical-audio-spoiler-tube-dac-with-usb-2013-09-21-digital-97759

No-risk either. 30-day money-back.
More to discover